Why not. Death in inevitable if you have borned once.

Hi Wael,

You pose both a scientific and philosophical question which would no doubt leave many questions in its wake due to its complexity. There are so many components to consider when one wants to find the answer to 'how can I enjoy a good life?'- It is not only different personalities and worldviews that would make the answer change from one individual to the next, but even deeper (cultural) factors such as religious perspectives on life (as interestingly discussed by Vail et al, 2010) could change the appearance of 'a good life' in different people's opinions of what is (subjectively) considered 'good'.

If looked at objectively, for example through the lens of life being a trajectory course of biopsychosocial experiences, one could pose the question of whether planning does any good in this discussion- Hypothetically, if subjectively 'bad things' happen spontaneously, they might have a more harsh impact on the individual, however if it is thought about beforehand, the stress experienced upon such a 'bad' encounter might be minimized (for a discussion in relation hereto with memory, planning and survival see Klein et al, 2011). Perhaps if one could plan or anticipate certain events that could be considered both bad and inevitable, they can be overcome much easier, thereby not only benefiting the individual in terms of less stress undergone, but also growing from the experience and providing support for the future. The shortening of time undergone focusing on negative events could then perceptively increase the chances of good things occurring. Death (depending on whether or not it is perceived as good or bad, an end to life or the beginning of a new one) could be experienced as less of a shock if it is accepted at an early age, thereby minimizing harm experienced upon the event in question and valuing life experiences more, potentially leading to individuals aiming for good things in their life, whatever form they may take.

What are your thoughts on the matter?

References:

Klein, S.B., Robertson, T.E., & Delton, A.W. (2011). The future-orientation of memory: Planning as a key component mediating the high levels of recall found with survival processing. Memory, 19(2), 121-139.

Vail, K.E., Rothschild, Z.K., Weise, D.R., Solomon, S., Pyszczynski, T., & Greenberg, J. (2010). A terror management analysis of the psychological functions of religion. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 14(1), 84-94.

Thank you Plamena,

The issue is very complicated since there are many governing and intervening factors that form our perception of death such as religion (especially the afterlife issue), culture and the value of happy life being due now, and experiencing healthy and risky times that may facilitate our understanding of Death or that may mask the whole issue. Most people live "mechanically" without being appreciative to the fact that we are alive another "new" day. The fever of work and the materialistic life are both distracting us from enjoying breathing, seeing, ..... and living. The pressure is enormous. And our social and academic institutions are not providing an adequate training in teaching people how to be aware of the true meaning of both a happy life and a "lovely" death.

Hi Wael,

I have recently been thinking about how fast-paced the world is today and when I read your mentioning of a mechanistic lifestyle in conjunction with the appreciation and understanding of life and death, it seemed like causality. The economy thrives on competition and who has done what faster than whomever else, parents end up having to work longer hours because employers expect everything to be done fast and well, leaving them less time to spend with their children, etc. This permeates almost every aspect of life, making it difficult to 'stop and smell the roses', thereby not allowing one (or many) to appreciate life more. Do you think this is a feasible idea?

Yes, it is. Life is fast for those involved in hectic work. However, there should be some space and time to stop every now and then to think of life, to appreciate what we have before it is too late, to smell the roses, to love, to give, to care, to do something outside the mechanistic circle.

Wael:

The only thing certain in life is Death. So should we be focused on Death and prepare for it? Wouldn't that be very pessimistic and a discouraging way to go through life? The Aryans of the ancient world were leaders in every respect. Their view on life and death provide answers and inspiration even now.

In a 5000+ year old philosophical work 'Bhagavad Gita', when the hero Arjuna falls despondent fearing war and death of his near and dear ones, Krishna gives the following explanation:

1. You weep unrequired. You pose as though learned. The learned do not weep for those who are gone or for those who remain. 2.11 BG

2. I was never non-existing, nor were you. We never cease to exist.2.12 BG

3. Body changes its age and stage while man is still in it. Same is the case when you choose to take up another body. The stable ones never falter at this.2.13 BG

4. Anything non-existing can never come into existence. Anything existing never ceases to exist. Those who see through can solve the riddle. 2.16 BG

5. The One that fills all this is never destroyed. No one can destroy the content of anything. Part can never destroy the whole. 2.17 BG

6. Old robes are removed, new robes received. So the owner of the body casts off his old bodies and obtains new ones. 2.11 BG

7. Even if you believe that beings come and go, even then there is no room for sorrow. 2.26 BG

8. Death is sure for the born and birth is sure for the dead. If death and birth are inevitable, why sorrow? 2.27 BG

9. Do your duty and leave the rest to me. Dont even think about the results. You will get what you deserve. Leave attachment and do your work. Fight on. 2.48 BG

Thus the hero's doubts on death and life are cleared by Krishna.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Thank you, this is very impressing. I like the idea not to attach to earthy ideas. the notion that "Death is sure for the born and birth is sure for the dead" is also comforting.

Wael: Energy can never be destroyed, only transformed into another form.

My Prof Dr Wael,  briefly, Live each moment of your life as if it is the last one, live by faith, live by love , live by hope and estimate your life.

We can use death as a motivator. you absolutely  know that I , you and all will die. there's nothing we can do about that. So, we have to think how can we spend each moment during this short trip. For me,  When the notion of death creeps into my mind now, it is followed by the questions: If not now, then when? If I don't live life now, when will I live it? facing death is actually one of the best ways to enjoy our life by asking ourselves as these questions: what would i do if i knew it was my last day ?? how do i want to be remembered when I'm gone. Furthermore, we have to work hard  for the second life; the hereafter. There will be the full happiness we seek.  and this gives us a positive motivator. 

All regard.

  Your student,

Ahlam